RESIDENTS are frustrated after the council refused to dispose of fly-tipped fridges that were blocking a road.
People living near where fridges and freezers had been dumped on a pavement moved the mess to allow them to leave their homes - but claim the council is now refusing to move it because it's on private land.
They say they have now unfairly been left with a bill of nearly £1,000 just for trying to do the right thing.
The fridges and freezers were dumped on the pavement of the A38 Halesowen Road in Bromsgrove, which is also in front of an access road to three homes as well as a Severn Trent Water pumping station.
Residents woke up to find the rubbish blocking the road on September 11. They dragged the fridges to the grass to the side of the drive so they could get to work in the morning.
After contacting the council, they came out to photograph the rubbish but said that as it was private land, they would not remove it.
Landlord Martin Gwynn, who owns one of the homes off the A38 and the driveway, was given a quote of £897 for the removal of the waste.
He said he was "disappointed" that the council "haven't done the right thing."
He said: "It was blocking the access for residents so nobody could get to work.
"Understandably, everyone thought they were doing the right thing by taking it off the main road.
"Then we have been smacked with the bill for £897 to get it removed.
"It looks as if I have to pay it and take the hit.
"If we left it on the main road it would have been their (the council's) responsibility.
"We did the right thing but the council hasn't".
A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately the legislation is clear about private land and that waste tipped on it is the landowner’s responsibility. However if anyone has any information about how the waste got there, such as dashcam footage or knowing where the waste may have come from, the council will support any investigation together with our colleagues from Worcestershire Regulatory Services.
“We routinely advise landowners to take steps to secure their land and deter environmental criminals wherever possible. For example, longer ungated driveways or unsecured areas of rural land are potentially more vulnerable to the illegal dumping of waste.
“Dumping unwanted items is against the law and harms our communities. We can all do our part to help prevent it by always using properly registered waste carriers. Ask for their waste carrier number, check they are registered online or by calling 03708 506 506, and always keep the proper receipt they will give you. Doing this helps protect not just yourself, but also your community from illegal dumping.”
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